“Zyflex”: Next generation plasma chamber for complex plasma research in space

Abstract

In this paper, we give a detailed description of a novel plasma chamber—the Zyflex chamber—that has been specifically designed for complex/dusty plasma research under reduced gravitational influence as realized during parabolic flight or aboard the International Space Station. The cylindrical, radio-frequency driven discharge device includes a variety of innovations that, for example, allow us to flexibly adjust plasma parameters and its volume via enhanced plasma generation control and a movable, multi-segmented electrode system. The new complex/dusty plasma research tool also supports, due to its overall increased size compared to former space based complex plasma experiments such as PKE-Nefedov or PK-3 Plus, much larger particle systems. Additionally, it can be operated at much lower neutral gas pressures, thus reducing the damping of particle motion considerably. Beyond the technical description and particle-in-cell simulation based characterization of the plasma vessel, we show sample results from experiments performed with this device in the laboratory as well as during parabolic flights, both of which clearly demonstrate the new quality of complex/dusty plasma research that becomes accessible with this new plasma device.

Spatial localization of high-frequency particle oscillations in a complex plasma monolayer

“…Spatial localization of high frequency particle oscillations was experimentally investigated in a planar dusty plasma crystal, levitating in capacitively coupled discharge that is driven at 13.56 MHz in argon at the pressure 1.3 Pa and is created in a 'Zyflex' plasma chamber designed for experiments with complex plasmas [59]. The chamber has four side and one top windows made from anti-reflective coated BK-7 glass for optical access.…”

Complex plasma research under microgravity conditions

“…The “ COM PLEX P LASM A FA C ILI T Y” (COMPACT) could fulfill the requirements for the above-mentioned scientific topics, and even more. Its design builds upon the developments of the former Ekoplasma project 80 , 81 and should be finalized in the near future. At the moment, a Phase A feasibility study is ongoing.…”

“…The heart of the facility COMPACT will be a cylindrical capacitive RF discharge plasma chamber, called Zyflex 81 . Capacitive RF discharges have already been used in PKE-Nefedov and PK-3 Plus.…”

COMPACT—a new complex plasma facility for the ISS

“…A radio-frequency driven plasma chamber (the Zyflex chamber, [9]) has been developed during the precursor project Ekoplasma [90]. This chamber fulfills most of the listed requirements: it has a large inner volume for large particle systems, variable electrode separation to change the plasma volume and to compress or expand the particle system (e.g.…”

“…Former pre-development studies already provide valuable hardware components, that can be utilized for this purpose. Based on the expert knowledge available in the scientific community, complex plasma research can be extended into new regimes supported by a novel concept of a large and flexible plasma chamber [9] with capabilities for plasma and particle manipulation, advanced optical diagnostics (e.g. stereoscopy, [10,11]) and new data analysis procedures based on artificial intelligence and machine learning [12][13][14].…”